Premillennial Dispensationalism is a relatively new doctrine and truly an American innovation of how God deals with people in various ages since man was created in the Garden of Eden. 

In reality, Premillennial Dispensationalism is a system of biblical interpretation which began in America in the middle of the nineteenth century.  Many of the early Church Fathers and writers such as Justin Martyr (A.D. 110-165), Iranaeus (A.D. 130-200), Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 150-220) and Augustine (A.D. 354-430) held to an earthly millennial view, but not colored by what is called today “Christian Zionism”.  This would include such innovations as a marked distinction between Old Testament Israel and the New Testament Church. Also a marked distinction between the terms “kingdom of God” and “kingdom of Heaven”, the supposed necessity of a third rebuilt Temple complex, and the reinstitution of the Levitical sacrifices even to include bodily circumcision.

During the mid 1600's writers such as  Pierre Poiret (1646-1719), John Edwards (1637-1716), and  Isaac Watts (1674-1748) started mentioning more on this subject. However, it was not until men like John Nelson Darby (1800-1882) and C.I. Scofield (1843-1921) and a movement known as the Plymouth Brethren, that the vast Premillennial dispensational movement began to permeate the modern church and spread like wild fire, crossing many denominational lines.

Later, men like Lewis Sperry Chafer, Charles Ryrie, Dwight Pentecost, John Walvoord, and Hal Lindsey kept the doctrine alive and growing as they commented in detail, expanding it in greater depth and intensity. More recently, Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, created the “Left Behind” series of novels that have sensationalized end-time events with tremendous fiction and imagination.  Dispensationalism has become so widely dispersed throughout Bible colleges and seminaries that it has arrested the attention of many Christians since it began, with no other viewpoints allowed to challenge it. Overall, Dispensationalism has become more vain imagination than scriptural proof.

Dispensationalism has become one of the greatest “tests of fellowship” to the exclusion of greater and more weighty doctrines concerning Christ's work and ministry, like His atonement, justification by faith alone, repentance of sin, sanctification of our daily lives, the grand biblical doctrine of election, and other essential doctrines that truly bind the believers to their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Dispensationalism has so enraptured the attention of many congregations that it has almost become the mainstay for most “gospel” preaching. Modern-day Christians are more concerned about identifying the Anti-Christ, than they are  of growing in grace, living a godly life and loving their Lord.  Did not Paul the Apostle warn the church as a whole in 2 Timothy 4:3-5, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things…”?

Hopefully, this current study of Dispensationalism will be a profitable study for all that will follow along.  Is Dispensationalism a truth of scripture?  Is it a fable to be turned from? Has God turned from national Israel (since they have rejected their Messiah) and embraced only those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord?  Has God truly broken down the wall of partition that once separated the Jew from the Gentile, and now allows both to come to Christ as Saviour? The Apostle Paul is calling such saved persons as that “one new man” in Ephesians 2:12-22, and Ephesians 3:1-7.  We pray that a scripturally-based look at this subject of Premillennial Dispensationalism will be a profitable study for all, as we take our Bible in hand and study to show ourselves approved unto God, which is our reasonable service!  "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." 2 Timothy 2:15.

It must be stated from the beginning that there are two or more distinct views on Dispensationalism, and even an alternative view of how our God deals with His ancient covenant people Israel. However, the true "Israel of God" today, are the true believers that have received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord of their lives.  Open and read "The Once And Future Israel" for a complete and profitable view of the true Israel of God.

           Premillennial Dispensationalism

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          The Present Church Age